Kathryn Jackson: helping shape an inclusive workforce of the future

To mark International Women’s Day, we are shining a spotlight on the voices driving change within our industry. 

At the heart of the AMRC Training Centre is the mission to bridge the skills gap, fuelled by a commitment to diversity, mentorship and breaking down traditional barriers. We asked Kathryn Jackson, programme lead for manufacturing technology degree apprenticeships, to share her perspective on the evolving landscape for women in engineering and how we can collectively shape a more inclusive workforce for the future.

This is what she said:

"Through my role at the AMRC Training Centre, I have the privilege of helping hundreds of degree apprentices develop fulfilling and rewarding careers in manufacturing by nurturing academic and practical skills alongside professional knowledge and behaviours. 

"Young people benefit from a variety of role models from all walks of life to send the message that engineering is inclusive and a discipline in which they can thrive. I am honoured to work alongside a diverse team of university teachers who collectively bring a wealth of industrial and academic experience, inspiring the programme's growth year-on-year whilst maintaining its vocational relevance.

"Engineering industries place a high value on the ability to solve problems and continually innovate. These are accelerated by different mindsets and specialist expertise, united through diverse teams working together to analyse problems from different perspectives. Like many industries, the field of engineering is becoming more aware of the value of diversity and the barriers to entry and progression, both perceived and actual, affecting women and other underrepresented groups.

"My students are the greatest inspiration to me through their tenacity and ability to overcome obstacles. One of these is their ability to assert their unique identities in a diverse and inclusive classroom environment, where they embody the values that should be exhibited in the workplace. Embedding inclusive behaviours by giving our students the confidence to collaborate professionally whilst maintaining their unique identities is one way in which we can help shape the workforce of the future, for the betterment of employees, businesses and ultimately the economy.

"My advice to any woman considering starting a career in engineering, or transitioning into engineering from another profession, is to know that engineering thrives on inclusive teams built of diverse people working together to solve problems, so you have the opportunity to make a valued contribution that will positively impact your colleagues and the wider world around you whilst enjoying a career in which you can flourish."